Fluorescent Sensor Covering for Weather Protection and Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices for transportation vehicles face challenges in protecting sensors from weather influences while maintaining undisturbed sensing of electromagnetic radiation, particularly in the ultraviolet, visible, or near-infrared spectral range, due to the need for clear and transparent covering elements that can also emit visible fluorescence for illumination without interfering with the sensing apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a covering device containing a fluorescent portion that is transparent to the sensed electromagnetic radiation, emitting visible fluorescence upon irradiation with ultraviolet or violet radiation, allowing for simple and flexible emission of light without deflecting or scattering, and is designed to be positioned in the beam path without interfering with the sensing apparatus, using fluorescent dyes like Alexa Fluor 350 or quantum dots for efficient emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clear transparent covering element is used to protect the sensor from weather influences, then the sensor is protected from rain, snow, and dirt, but the covering element cannot simultaneously emit visible fluorescence for illumination without interfering with the sensing of electromagnetic radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The covering device incorporates a fluorescent portion with specific local optical properties that differ from the rest of the covering structure. This fluorescent portion is configured to be transparent to the specific wavelength of electromagnetic radiation sensed by the sensing apparatus while emitting visible fluorescence when irradiated with ultraviolet or violet light, thus providing localized functionality without compromising overall sensor protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluorescent dyes with specific absorption and emission spectra to achieve wavelength-selective transparency. By carefully selecting fluorescent materials whose absorption spectrum does not overlap with the sensing wavelength, the covering device maintains high transmittance for the sensed radiation while providing visible fluorescence emission for illumination purposes
2Illumination intensity
If scattering points or deflection apparatuses are added to the covering device for light emission, then visible fluorescence can be emitted, but the sensing apparatus is interfered with and the beam path is influenced
Solution Approach 1:
The covering device employs fluorescent materials that absorb ultraviolet or violet light and re-emit visible light with different wavelengths. This color transformation allows the covering to emit visible fluorescence for illumination without scattering or deflecting the infrared or other wavelength electromagnetic radiation detected by the sensing apparatus, thus maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescent portion acts as an intermediary that converts ultraviolet/violet radiation into visible light through fluorescence emission. This indirect light generation mechanism eliminates the need for direct scattering points or deflection apparatuses in the beam path, as the visible light is emitted isotropically from the fluorescent material itself without interfering with the primary sensing beam
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for an illuminated design of the covering device, eliminating the need for scattering points or deflection apparatuses, ensuring minimal interference with the sensing apparatus and maintaining high transmittance of the sensed radiation, while enabling an illuminated appearance and improved visibility of the vehicle in inclement weather.
Implementation Method 1
The fluorescent portion (32) has a fluorescent dye (34) and is configured to emit, upon irradiation with electromagnetic radiation at a second wavelength in the absorption spectrum of the fluorescent dye, third electromagnetic radiation in the emission spectrum
Implementation Method 2
The fluorescent portion (32) has a fluorescent dye (34) which has an absorption spectrum and an emission spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device for a transportation device includes a sensing apparatus for sensing first electromagnetic radiation having at least one first wavelength, and a covering device for the sensing apparatus. The covering device contains a fluorescent portion includes a fluorescent dye, which has an absorption spectrum and an emission spectrum. The fluorescent portion is transparent to the first electromagnetic radiation having the first wavelength. The fluorescent portion is configured such that, when irradiated with second electromagnetic radiation having a second wavelength in the absorption spectrum of the fluorescent dye, the fluorescent portion emits third electromagnetic radiation in the emission spectrum. The first wavelength and the second wavelength are different.